Name: Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 35 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2-3 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless); 1 cup pineapple juice; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); 4 pineapple slices (optional, for grilling)

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful grilled dish marinated in a sweet and savory sauce with a tropical twist. The name “huli huli” means “turn turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the traditional method of cooking the chicken over a grill while continuously flipping it for even caramelization and char. This dish is packed with juicy chicken, smoky grill marks, and a sticky glaze that’s simply irresistible. Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this chicken brings together bold, tropical flavors in a simple and satisfying way. The marinade is a perfect balance of sweet pineapple juice, salty soy sauce, tangy vinegar, and aromatic ginger and garlic. Whether I’m serving it at a cookout or making it for a weeknight dinner, this recipe always wins hearts. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with rice or grilled veggies.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless)
Pineapple juice
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Ketchup
Rice vinegar
Fresh ginger, grated
Garlic, minced
Sesame oil
Green onions (for garnish)
Pineapple slices (optional, for grilling)

directions

I start by whisking together the marinade ingredients: pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl.
I place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure all the pieces are well coated. I marinate it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
When ready to cook, I preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates.
I remove the chicken from the marinade (reserving some for basting) and place it on the grill. I cook it for about 6-7 minutes per side, turning frequently and basting with the reserved marinade to build up a flavorful glaze.
I grill optional pineapple slices alongside the chicken for a smoky-sweet complement.
Once the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred, I remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
I garnish with chopped green onions and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. The prep time is about 15 minutes, with at least 4 hours of marinating time. Grilling takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces.

Variations

I sometimes switch it up by using chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner version. If I’m cooking indoors, I use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven. For an extra kick, I add a bit of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha to the marinade. I’ve also tried making skewers with chicken and pineapple chunks—great for parties!

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until hot. I avoid microwaving if I want to keep the skin crisp.

FAQs

What does “Huli Huli” mean?

“Huli huli” means “turn turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the method of flipping the chicken frequently while grilling.

Can I bake the Huli Huli chicken instead of grilling?

Yes, I bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, then broil it for a few minutes to get a nice glaze on top.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

I like to marinate it for at least 4 hours, but overnight gives the best flavor.

Can I use canned pineapple juice?

Absolutely, I use canned pineapple juice when fresh isn’t available. Just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugar.

What sides go well with Huli Huli Chicken?

I enjoy serving it with steamed rice, grilled pineapple, macaroni salad, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. I love how the tropical marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavor, and grilling adds the perfect smoky finish. Whether I’m cooking for family or friends, this recipe always brings a taste of the islands to my table.